Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Lead Paint Removal Costs
Lead paint removal is important for a healthy family
Painting over old layers of paint doesn’t remove the chance of lead exposure from older homes. Low-income children and those living in housing built before 1978 have the highest risk of exposure, per the CDC.
But the good news is that when it comes to the cost of lead paint removal, being informed will allow you to make wise decisions for your home and family.
Lead paint removal cost depends on several factors, which will be listed below.
What you should know about the costs of removing lead paint
Average homeowners can expect to pay £1,500 – £5,500 to remove lead paint, with most jobs falling between £2,000 – £3,500. However, there are a lot of details that will contribute to the final cost of lead paint removal.
Lead paint removal costs can vary dramatically based on several key factors. These include the size of your home or office, the method of removal that you decide on, and the amount of lead paint that needs to be removed. For example, some homes and offices only have certain areas that require spot treatment, while others have lead paint all over their interior.
Did you know the typical range of cost is £6 to £17 per square foot?
One thing that might surprise you is that the typical range of cost to remove lead paint is £6 to £17 per square foot. This means a small job covering 50 square feet could cost you £650 while restoring a 2,000 square foot home could cost £25,000 or more.
The main factors that increase the costs
Size is one of the most significant factors in the overall costs. The bigger your home is, the more lead paint will need to be removed and the more money it will cost you. The square footage of the surfaces in need of treatment, such as walls, trim, and moulding, as well as the number of floors will all impact costs.
Did you know complex home designs increase costs?
There are more factors than just size that influence the cost. Complex architectural designs with detailed woodwork, hard to reach areas, high ceilings, and decorative trim increase costs. Contractors need more time and specialised equipment to work in these conditions which translates to higher charges.
Location also impacts pricing. Labour rates differ from region to region and urban areas will often be more expensive than rural or suburban ones. Many contractors use a per square foot pricing method, but some use hourly rates for smaller jobs.
The cost of safely disposing of the lead contaminated materials is another expense to add to your budget. All lead-painted surfaces and materials that are removed from a home must be disposed of at special facilities at a cost of £3 to £5 per square foot.
The 4 removal methods and how much they cost
The first method, encapsulation, is the least expensive option at between £4 and £8 per square foot. Encapsulation works by sealing off lead paint with a protective coating or barrier that won’t let the lead dust escape into the environment. Think of this method as simply putting a safe protective shield over the problem area.
Don’t get caught off guard. The problem with encapsulation is that it is not permanent. Wear and tear will eventually break down the sealant and you will need to reapply it. In some high-traffic areas, you may have to do this every few years.
Enclosure is a similar method, but more costly
Enclosure costs between £8 and £13 per square foot. In this method, the lead-painted surfaces are covered with new panels, drywall, or siding. This method is more durable than encapsulation and is a good long-term solution.
However, this method can only be applied to flat surfaces. You cannot simply cover intricate trim or detailed moulding with this method.
Removal of all the lead paint
Removal of all the lead paint is the next most expensive method at £10 to £17 per square foot. This method involves completely stripping all lead paint from all surfaces. This can be done by using chemical strippers, wet sanding, or careful hand scraping. Everything is then vacuumed up using HEPA filters.
It is the most expensive method up front, but it is also permanent. You will not need to worry about applying and reapplying protective coatings or barriers.
Complete replacement of all lead-painted surfaces
Complete replacement of all lead-painted surfaces is another method of lead paint abatement. In some cases, the lead contamination can be so extensive that it is not cost-effective to remove it. In these cases, the contaminated surfaces such as windows, doors, trim, and sometimes walls have to be ripped out and replaced.
Total replacement of surfaces can cost between £1,000 and £18,000.
The hidden costs that you need to be aware of
Professional inspection is required before any removal work can begin. A professional inspector will test your home at a cost between £230 and £420. This will identify where lead paint exists and how severe the contamination is.
Another cost that you might need to factor in is the cost of temporary relocation. In some cases, the contamination levels will be high enough that it won’t be safe to remain in your home during the removal process.
Painting costs are not usually included in most lead paint removal quotes. After the lead paint has been removed from your home, you will still have to apply fresh paint. The cost of interior paint and labour is between £1 and £3 per square foot while exterior painting runs between £1.50 and £5 per square foot.
Why you should only trust professional removal
DIY lead paint removal is a bad idea for several reasons. The EPA has a law known as the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule that says any project over 6 square feet indoors or 20 square feet outdoors in homes or apartments built before 1978 must be performed by certified professionals.
Exposure to lead paint causes health problems that you do not want in your home, especially in children. Brain damage, nervous system issues, slowed development, and behavioural problems are just some of the issues that you could face.
Professional contractors have the necessary training, equipment, and certification to do the job properly. They understand how to avoid cross contamination and how to safely dispose of all waste according to the law.
The average project cost of £9,400 might sound expensive but consider the cost of medical bills from lead poisoning, or legal fees for failing to perform the removal properly.
The 5 ways to keep your costs as low as possible
Bundle your project with other renovations. If you have other home repairs or renovations that you were planning, then see if they can be coordinated with the lead removal process. This will save money on labour, equipment, and containment setup costs.
Book during the off-season. Contractors tend to be busiest during the spring and summer months. Book your project for the late autumn or winter and you might be able to negotiate a lower rate.
Ask about encapsulation first. If your lead paint is still in good condition, encapsulation might be a good solution. This is the cheapest method, and it will buy you some time if you need it.
Apply for assistance programs. Many local and state governments offer financial assistance in the form of grants or low-interest loans for lead paint abatement. The CDC reports that children from low-income households are at the highest risk of lead exposure, which is why these grants are available for these families.
Get multiple quotes. Do not just accept the first estimate that you receive. Call at least three certified contractors and compare their proposals.
Final thoughts
Lead paint removal is a major expense but the alternative is even more expensive. What you are actually paying for are the health of your family, the value of your home, and your legal liability.
By investing in this work you are protecting your family from developmental issues in children, increasing the resale value of your home, and eliminating a major source of safety hazards. Get started by having your home tested and then get some quotes from certified contractors.
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